Bhubaneswar celebrates topping smart city list, PM lauds winners

Bhubaneswar: As Bhubaneswar topped the list of smart cities announced by Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu yesterday, people in the city celebrated by distributing sweets and bursting crackers.

Bhubaneswar Mayor Anant Narayan Jena said, "We are very happy that Bhubaneswar made it to top list of smart city. We will try hard to fulfill the aspirations of people to provide smart services."

Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Naidu, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said he feels immensely proud to find Bhubaneswar topping the list of smart cities. Bhubaneswar scored 78.83 percent, surpassing other contenders to achieve the top slot among 98 cities across the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday congratulated the first 20 cities declared to be developed into Smart Cities in 2016. These cities were chosen, from 98 shortlisted for the 'Smart Cities Mission', through the Smart City challenge contest.

"Congrats to winners of Smart City Challenge. I wish the cities the very best as they move forward with implementation and transform urban India," Modi tweeted.

Congrats to winners of #SmartCityChallenge. I wish the cities the very best as they move forward with implementation & transform urban India